Botanical gardens often start with a small idea. When he created the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar was simply trying to cure his queen of homesickness for her native mountains. London’s mighty Kew Gardens grew from King George III’s efforts to revamp his grandmother’s backyard.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, however, began with a big idea…and a small group of devoted individuals. The grassroots organization was founded in 1991 by a group of mid-coast Maine residents who envisioned ornamental gardens, protected natural landscapes, and education and research programs. They felt that Maine needed a botanical garden and went about making it happen.
First, the Land
After an extensive search, the founders and others who shared their vision discovered a 128-acre parcel that had failed as a housing development but offered great promise as a botanical garden. Its native forest, intriguing topography, massive ledges, and 3,600 feet of tranquil tidal shorefront were quintessentially Maine. These individuals’ commitment was so strong that some used their own homes as collateral to enable the organization to purchase in 1996 what was to become Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
With unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission and unmatched energy, they established a solid foundation of careful site planning for environmentally responsible development of the property. The Gardens’ early volunteers, including respected botanists, surveyed the newly purchased property, took inventories of existing plants, constructed miles of walking trails, sought horticultural experts to offer classes and workshops, established native plant collections, and even undertook research projects monitoring populations of native ferns and lady slipper orchids found on the grounds. An archaeological study determined that the site had never been farmed or inhabited, and the antique stone wall that extends nearly to the water probably delineated pasturage.
In the years that followed, volunteers helped build additional trails throughout the grounds and created administrative underpinnings for the organization. In 2004, the Gardens completed its final landscape master plan for the main campus, as well as building plans for a much-needed Visitor Center, which would provide educational facilities, visitor amenities and office space for staff and volunteers.
Next, Creating a Garden
The Board of Directors undertook the task of raising funds, expanding membership, and presenting year-round programs and special events. They formed committees that helped every step of the way. Eventually one, then more, staff members were added as the organization expanded and the project increased in complexity. Throughout the process, the Gardens has looked to experts and professionals of the highest caliber.
The Rhododendron & Perennial Garden and the Shoreland Garden of Native Plants were among the first areas planted, beginning in 2001 and 2002. More plants have been added since then, and these areas are thriving. Beginning in 2004, the Central Gardens were shaped and then planted using mature specimens that created a magnificent display that’s greatly appreciated by visitors.
Funding History
Early fund-raising consisted of successful annual appeals and membership drives. Then, the organization undertook the first phase of a capital campaign that extended over several years. By sharing their compelling vision and careful professional planning with individuals, foundations and State of Maine governmental officials, the boards and staff raised $8.5 million by early 2007. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens was proud to receive a Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant of $600,000 in 2005 and fulfilled the challenge grant in 2006. Learn more about where the money has come from.
The $8.5 million enabled the Gardens to build a half-mile-long main road, parking areas, the utility and communications infrastructure, five acres of new ornamental gardens and a 9,500 sq. ft. Visitor Center. The new plantings include Rose, Woodland, Great Lawn, Entry Walk, Hillside, Meditation, and Kitchen gardens
New Heights
In 2005, the Gardens received the incredible gift of 120 acres from the Pine Tree Conservation Society. Because this land is adjacent to the original parcel, the newly expanded Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is now the largest botanical garden in New England. We are also one of a very few gardens with saltwater frontage – and we have nearly a mile of waterfront! Planning for the new land has begun, and one of the first efforts will be to extend the Shoreland Trail further along the waterfront.
The new entry road created on the original property in 2004 and 2005 brings visitors to their destination through an impressive forested landscape. Our first structure, the Horticulture Building, was completed in 2005. Construction on the Visitor Center began in 2005, and the staff moved into the “administrative wing” of the building in June of 2006. The Center offers a delightful gift shop and café, a soaring central space (Kerr Hall) with a fieldstone fireplace, and an inviting education and meeting room. The education room includes the Gardens’ Library of nearly 2000 volumes, most of which were donated.